Northern Hub WILL close down Star and Garter despite what council say – landlord

Northern Hub WILL close down Star and Garter despite what council say – landlord

A beloved Manchester music venue could be forced to close its doors for good due to construction of the Northern Hub, according to its landlord – despite a council meeting claiming it will 'not impact' the pub.

The Star and Garter, situated nearby Picadilly Station, is set to be affected by three year's worth of railway improvements designed to stimulate economic growth in the city.

The venue has a rich musical heritage, providing a launch pad for fledgling bands and regularly plays host to celebrity faces including Chloe Sevigny, Liam Fray and Charlie Brooker.

Landlord and proprietor, Andy Martin, told MM that he fears the Grade II-listed building may become isolated during the construction, leading his business to extinction.

“The Northern Hub may retain the Star and Garter building, but it will impact on the business so greatly, that we will be forced to close for up to three years during the construction, with no means to support the business," he said.

At an executive council meeting on January 21, members expressed their satisfaction that the live music venue could remain open during the extensive construction of the Northern Hub.

At the meeting it was noted: “Members were pleased that the option being taken forward retains the Star and Garter public house and were anxious that the proposal did not impact on the capacity of the business to continue to operate successfully.”

However Mr Martin believes the conclusions made in the meeting are 'completely wrong'.

“What it feels like now is the council is shaking our hand and thanking us for being caretakers of a listed building for 25 years," he said.

“But they'd like it back because they stand to make a huge profit on it after Network Rail or London and Continental Railways buy it and sell it on to the highest bidder."

Network Rail have also confirmed that during the 36 months of development, Fairfield Street - the only road of access to the venue - will be shut.

Mr Martin highlighted Manchester Council’s lack of development and rejuvenation in the surrounding area, which has also affected his business.

“[Manchester Council] have ignored the area of the city centre which the Star and Garter stands in over 25 consecutive years.

"We are ultimately the only business left operating for 200 yards in every direction.

"Maybe the council are aware of it and are just sort of stood around with their hands in their pockets and whistling innocently like a Cockney Spiv in a film set in 1950s Britain.”

Councillor Kevin Peel of Manchester city centre when questioned on the expansion for the Northern Hub said: ”I can’t comment on the Star and Garter in particular as I have not received any complaints directly from the Landlord.

“However it’s worth noting that the Northern Hub will be hugely beneficial to local business when completed - it’s going to be very positive for the whole area.”

Image courtesy of spaztacular, with thanks.

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Comments

The S&T is a venue which only people who know Manchester would go to, it is out of the way and looks like it is closed most of the time. The NH works no doubt will make provision for access in and out of the pub, making no difference to the experience of those within; much like the recent work on Cross Street that surrounded Pret and Cross Street Chapel.

What I’m getting from this article, which I appreciate may be missing important facts, is that the owners want out. Managing the property for 25 year, with only the minimal amount of maintenance being undertaken and getting away so far by calling it 'character'. The building no doubt needs extensive works which they are not prepared to do and see this as an opportunity to wash their hand and file for a loss of earnings claim. Good luck to you but I’d say the council is right and see through it.

Have a chat with some of the businesses around Brunswick Street where a PFI is taking place. The City Council pays lipservice to the idea that longstanding independent businesses will continue after the wonderful changes. In reality, a range of sneaky tactics squeeze unique but "unwanted" businesses out and familar high street names take their place. You can guess who.

Without the opportunity to open during the day because the area the building stands in is so poorly maintained and lacking investment, and without a brewery to offer any support, any "maintainence" has had to be paid for from the take at gigs and club nights. That maintainence includes both inside and outside then building so one must take priority over the other. Any grant we have ever applied for to replace the roof or improve the exterior was refused because they were apparently only issued 'in keeping with the area' and we were never given any business rate discount. The Northern Hub construction will result in no access to the Star and Garter or indeed Faifield Street or Travis Street for up to three years, which is why we are left with no option but to sell. Network Rail have championed 'retaining the Grade 2 Listed Star and Garter Public House' on their Northern Hub website and have, according to a letter from Howard Bernstein to Network Rail which is viewable online, led Manchester City Council to believe that the Star and Garter will 'continue to operate as a business'. London and Continental Railways have closed off the Star and Garter Car Park and refused any offer we have made to lease the space unless we pay £7000 - they have also threatened issuing a CPO of their own because they see the building as an attractive investment once the Northern Hub and Mayfield Projects are completed. A compensation package which provided an investment in the whole building and finally gave us a new roof and the ability to reopen and rebuild the business when NH is complete would be ideal, but Network Rail and/or Northern Hub (two Government owned companies) are chasing the cheaper option - buy it cheap and sell it at a vast profit to, from what we are led to believe, a coffee chain.